John Rice / Walt Von Tilius KK Midget Title 1949

[Thomas E]

I have in my possession a title to a John Rice (the owner) and Walt Von Tilis (the seller) Kurtis Kraft midget race car.



Title certified Sept. 16, 1949
Sign by: W. J. Perkins, DRMVD, State of Colorado

Name: Kurtis Kraft
Title number; C 6542
Year: 1949
Model: Midget Racer
County: Denver
Motor No: 407
Weight: min
List Price: $6000
Date Purchased: 8-28-49

Name of owner: I. J. Rice
Address: 1445 W. Cedar
City: Denver
State: Colo

From Whom Purchased: Walter Von Tilius
Address: 43 Kalamath St. Denver, Colorado




Isaac (I.) John (J.) Rice was our daughter-in-laws (Kimberly (Rice) Ellis) grandfather. Kim’s dad was Ron Rice cousin to Tommy Rice. Ron Rice passed away in '96.

John (Isaac) Rice died in 1961, and the KK was taken by Tommy Rice is what Margaret Rice and Ron Rice told us.

We, Johnnie Hurd and myself had gone down to Colorado Springs to an RMMRA race meet in 1962, we co-owned the old Dick Irwin #46 car a V8-60 Ford, I remember seeing Tommy Rice and the 92 car down in Colorado Springs at not sure one of the two tracks, Pikes Peak?

During one of the events Tommy Rice hit Tommy Clark in the 65 car in back. Clark’s car had just quit on the back stretch, and the next we knew bam boom crash, I think Tommy Clark was taken to the hospital.

That is where I also met Bobby Unser, Parnelli Jones, J. C. Agajanian, and A. J. Foyt. Bobby was helping us get our car running a bit better, nice guy. I think Parnelli was driving an Agajanian car, Bobby Unser was driving a #34 car. And A. J. Foyt was . . . Well, never mind, I’m not a Foyt fan, but I will say he was heck of a driver.

John Rice’s house is one that survived the flood of ’65, it was sold after John's widow Margaret (Rice) Kamionka passed away in 2003.

:checker:

[Mitch G.]

Thomas E, Tommy Rice still has the midget if I'm not mistaken. My wife used to be pals with Sandy Rice, they sold programs for the RMMRA at race meets, during the late 1970's. That title is some interesting history.

[Terry Von Tilius]

Thomas,

Is there any way I can get a copy of that title? Could you scan it and e-mail it to me? I'm pretty sure my mom made dad sell that car when my sister was born. 1949 would be about right.

[Thomas E]

Thomas,

Is there any way I can get a copy of that title? Could you scan it and e-mail it to me? I'm pretty sure my mom made dad sell that car when my sister was born. 1949 would be about right.

You've a PM.

[Thomas E]

Thomas E., I.J. Rice aka "Baldy" was my Grandfathers brother. From what I understand he had a very colorful past. I have several letters written by him to my Grandfather. I am in possession of the 92 Offy and would like to talk with you about the title you have. From my understanding the midget was originally built for a Formula One racer Tony Morasco and was stamped with SPL. Kurtis incorporated some F-1 ideas when building it. Morasco's father wouldn't let him keep the car and forced him to sell it. Johnny Tolan debuted the car at Soldier Field and brought it back to Denver. Long story short several parties were involved in lending money to the Count to buy the car including my Grandfather Spencer and Ben Krasner. Lawyers became involved and that is how my Dad and Grandfather ended up with the car. The address on the title is the property once owned by my Grandfather. My parents sold the property back in the 70's. The house was washed away down stream when the S. Platte River flooded. I am interested in the history and what you know of the transaction. Since I do not post anything to this site it will not allow me to add an e-mail address to this post. Please let me know how I can get in touch with you.

The title is original, it was given to me by my daughter-in-law Kimberly (Rice) Ellis. Kimberly's father was Ron Rice, I. J. Rice' son, Tommy is a cousin. Ron Rice passed away in 1999.

Kimberly's grandmother Margaret (Rice) wouldn't talk much about the transaction of the car, she had some bad feels about it, that is all Margaret and Kimberly would say.

I. J. Rice's widow Margaret Rice married Rudy Kamionka, both have since passed away, Margaret passed away in 2003.

John Rice's house is one that survived the flood of '65, it was sold after Margaret (Rice) Kamionka's husband Rudy Kamionka passed away in 2005 passed.

About the title, I see if I can figure out a way to discuss it with you, maybe off site.

Thomas E